Smith: Rockets want to be great, but they just can't get...

1of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds his face as he sits on the floor during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

2of108during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

3of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) hugs Houston Rockets guard Iman Shumpert at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

4of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) pauses on the court during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

5of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates near the end of the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

6of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates near the end of the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

7of108Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) walks off the court at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

8of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) walks off the court at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

9of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates near the end of the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

10of108Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) go up for a rebound during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

11of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes the ball to the basket past Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

12of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) walks off the court at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

13of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) walks ooff the court at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

14of108Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) takes the ball to the basket over Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

15of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) falls to the court after being tripped up by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

16of108during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

17of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) react to a play during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

18of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes the ball to the hoop past Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

19of108Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) loses the handle on a rebound against Golden State Warriors forward Jonas Jerebko (21) and forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

20of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) falls to the court after landing on Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

21of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) falls to the court after landing on Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

22of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) falls to the court after landing on Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

23of108The Houston Rockets bench stand and watch as time runs out in the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

24of108Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

25of108Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

26of108Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forward Draymond Green (23) fight with Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) for a rebound during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the series 4-2.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

27of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) sits on the court under the basket after the Golden State Warriors eliminated the Rockets with a 118-113 win, to take the NBA Western Conference semifinals series 4-2, at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

28of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) lies on the court after he was undercut in the lane during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

29of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

30of108Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) grabs a rebound away from Golden State Warriors forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) and forward Jonas Jerebko (21) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

31of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot over Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

32of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot over Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

33of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) grabs a rebound away from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

34of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) grabs a rebound away from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

35of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds his face as he sits on the floor during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

36of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot defended by Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

37of108Houston Rockets center Nene (42) goes up for a ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

38of108Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

39of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds his face as he sits on the floor during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

40of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) holds his face as he sits on the floor during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

41of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) brings the ball up the court against Houston Rockets center Nene (42) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

42of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is pressured by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

43of108Houston Rockets guards Chris Paul (3) and James Harden (13) argue a call with referee Pat Fraher (26) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

44of108Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni stands on the sidelines as a possession call goes against the Rockets during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

45of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) takes a shot over Houston Rockets center Nene (42) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

46of108Houston Rockets guards Chris Paul (3) and James Harden (13) argue a call with referee Pat Fraher (26) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

47of108Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) takes a shot over Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

48of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call with referee Eric Lewis (42) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

49of108Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (2) takes the ball to the basket agaisnt Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

50of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) scores on a dunk as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

51of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) goes to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

52of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) goes to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

53of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) goes to the basket past Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

54of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

55of108Houston Rockets owner watches the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

56of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball into the lane against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

57of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

58of108Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni yells from the bench during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

59of108Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni yells from the bench during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

60of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) goes after a rebound against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

61of108Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) is surrounded by Houston Rockets center Nene (42) and Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) as they work to steal the ball during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

62of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

63of108Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) loses the handle on the ball as he goes to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

64of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) and guard James Harden (13) pick guard Chris Paul up off the court during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

65of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball into the lane against Golden State Warriors forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

66of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) pulls down a rebound against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

67of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) passes the ball out of the lane against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

68of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

69of108Houston Rockets center Nene (42) defends a shot by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

70of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) goes after a rebound against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

71of108Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) brings the ball upcourt against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

72of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) reaches out to defend a pass by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

73of108Houston Rockets players gather in a huddle on the court before Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

74of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

75of108Beyonce and Jay Z watch the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

76of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) clebrates a call against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

77of108Houston Rockets players gather in the hallway outside the locker room before Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

78of108Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) works to the basket against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

79of108Beyonce and Jay Z watch the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Karen Warren/Staff photographer

80of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

81of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) as he falls to the floor during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

82of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) knocks the ball away from the basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

83of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) pulls down the ball between Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

84of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) scores against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

85of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot with Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) defending during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

86of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) passes the ball over Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

87of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives in for a layup past Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

88of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

89of108Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to and official as guard Stephen Curry (30) walks off the court during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

90of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

91of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

92of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) and center Clint Capela (15) got after a rebound with Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) and forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

93of108Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reaches over to try and steal the ball from Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

94of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

95of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) goes up for a shot between Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) and guard Stephen Curry (30) and is fouled during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

96of108Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) celebrates scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

97of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and Golden State Warriors guard Quinn Cook (4) go after a loose ball during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

98of108Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) argues a call with referee Pat Fraher (26) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

99of108Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) takes a shot over Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) and forward PJ Tucker (17) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

100of108Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

101of108Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) takes a shot over Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) and forward PJ Tucker (17) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

102of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) grabs a rebound away from Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

103of108Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) grabs a rebound away from Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

104of108Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) talks about a call with an official during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

105of108Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) takes a shot over Houston Rockets guard Iman Shumpert (1) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

106of108Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) talks to an official during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

107of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot over Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

108of108Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) helps Chris Paul up off the court during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston.Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

You could see the pain. And feel it.

The Warriors, again.

Stephen Curry going crazy, again.

Chris Paul finally playing like CP3, yet the Rockets ending up with nothing but instant hurt and hard heartbreak.

Mike D'Antoni just sat there. Head bent over, held in his hands. Pausing life and letting the pain — far too familiar, reappearing year after year after year — wash over him.

It was 118-113 Warriors on Friday night in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. Without Kevin Durant. Despite Curry going scoreless in the first half. With Golden State coach Steve Kerr starting old-school big man Andrew Bogut like the Warriors had gone back in time and relying on an 11-man rotation decorated with little-seen reserves.

The Rockets' season suddenly is over again. The all-mighty, reigning champion Warriors eliminated Houston's NBA team for the fourth time in five years.

And after a 36-26 fourth quarter by Golden State — Curry catching fire with 23 points and the Warriors sinking five huge 3s — there was only the same numbing, searing pain.

"This one's going to leave a mark," said D'Antoni, whose team fell 4-2 in the series and dropped four winnable games by 20 combined points. "This is not just something you get over with. I'm definitely not going to get over it in this press conference or (Saturday) or the next night. This one hurts."

Being up 3-2 against the Warriors in last year's conference finals and then losing Paul in the final seconds of Game 5 to a hamstring injury was incredibly cruel. But the Rockets also blew halftime leads in Games 6 and 7, and clanked iron to the sad tune of 0-of-27 on 3-pointers in a gutting home finale.

In many ways, that made more sense compared to this. And now we get to debate it all.

Paul, 34, was just as brief after failing to win a title in his 14th consecutive season.

"We're going home," Paul said. "That's what it is."

This time was supposed to be different. Even after the Rockets missed so badly on Melo, started 1-5 and 11-14, and then were forced to bring back defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik and ship away almost all of their offseason additions.

The Warriors were shaky and vulnerable. Then Durant went down, and it felt like Game 5 last season, all over again.

Wrong.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

They are the Warriors. They beat you, shred you and ultimately humiliate you, making you question everything.

"We have to be smarter," Rockets forward P.J. Tucker said. "Got to be more disciplined."

If I tweet that Curry has been horrible through the first half, he answers with 33 points in the second half, hitting ridiculous 3 after ridiculous 3, upping the ante each time.

If the Rockets lead by four early in the fourth quarter, Golden State simply takes over and ends it all like only a champion can.

"We let a lot of opportunities slip away," Harden said. "Opportunities in the last game, opportunities in Game 1 and 2. If you don't take advantage ... you end up on the losing side."

No Game 7. No career- and franchise-changing redemption. No joy.

Harden still has not won a title. Paul doesn't have a shining ring. D'Antoni, 68, is still searching for a world trophy. Billionaire owner Tilman Fertitta can't buy four wins in the NBA Finals.

Warrrrriors.

Warrrrrrrrriors.

Pain, pain, pain.

"They're giants. They're champions," said Kerr, referring to the near-annual Rockets killer. "These guys are a historically good basketball team, and you don't do this and do what these guys have done without an incredible combination of talent and character."

General manager Daryl Morey has admitted that getting past Golden State is his sole obsession. The Rockets have been remade and remade and remade again.

The final answer: Warriors 4-2 in the semis, even with Durant out of sight.

If the Rockets are being honest with themselves, they'll admit they were embarrassed.

"We didn't play our best and to beat these guys you have to play your best," D'Antoni said. "In a boxing match, you have to knock the champion out and we didn't knock them out."

Brian T. Smith is a sports columnist for the Houston Chronicle. He has won multiple Associated Press Sports Editors awards and been honored by numerous journalism organizations. Smith was a Houston Texans beat writer for the Chronicle from 2013-15 and an Astros beat writer from 2012-13. The New Orleans-area native previously covered the NBA's Utah Jazz (The Salt Lake Tribune) and Portland Trail Blazers (The Columbian), among other beats. He is the author of the book Liftoff, which documented the Astros' rebuild and 2017 World Series championship.